Signs It’s Time To Remove Your Acrylic Nails and Start Over

Acrylic nails are a popular way to achieve long, strong, and stylish nails. They enhance your hands and provide the perfect canvas for creative nail designs. But as durable as they are, acrylic nails aren’t meant to stay on forever. 

Ignoring the signs that it’s time for a fresh start leads to damage to your natural nails, infections, and less-than-pleasant results. We’re exploring the common signs it’s time to remove your acrylic nails and start over to maintain healthy nails.  

Excessive Lifting  

When acrylic nails begin lifting from the nail bed, it’s a sure sign that something isn’t right. The lifting doesn’t just ruin the appearance of your nails; it also creates an opportunity for dirt, moisture, and bacteria to settle underneath the acrylic. Left unattended, this could lead to infections or further nail damage.  

If you notice your acrylic nails starting to separate at the edges, it may be tempting to patch them up with adhesive. While you can attempt to fix lifting acrylic nails without removing them, frequent or severe lifting requires complete removal to prevent long-term harm to your natural nails.  

Extensive Cracking or Breaking  

Cracks or breaks in acrylic nails are more than just cosmetic annoyances. These imperfections compromise the structural integrity of the acrylic and create sharp edges, which increase the likelihood of snagging or painful tears. Additionally, cracked acrylics trap bacteria, especially if the break is left untreated, raising the risk of infections.  

If you’re noticing frequent breaks or fine cracks forming across the acrylic surface, it’s time to remove the set and assess the condition of your natural nails. A new, properly applied set will protect your nails from potential damage caused by wearing compromised acrylics for too long.  

Overgrowth of the Natural Nail  

One of the most common signs it’s time to remove your acrylic nails and start over is when your natural nails grow significantly beneath the acrylic. Acrylics are meant to adhere closely to the natural nail, but as the nails grow out, gaps at the base of the acrylic appear. This weakens the overall structure, making the acrylic more prone to lifting or breaking.  

When overgrowth becomes noticeable, it’s best to remove the acrylics and start fresh. While it might be tempting to keep filling in the gaps, this affects the durability of the acrylic and puts unnecessary strain on your natural nails. Removing them altogether ensures a clean slate for your next set.  

Your nails deserve to remain healthy and strong, even when you’re using acrylics to elevate their look. Checking for signs like excessive lifting, cracking, or overgrowth will help you determine when it’s time to start over. Rather than delaying, a proper removal saves your natural nails from complications and ensures your next set of acrylics fit securely for a flawless finish.